What if you could get some really good over-ear headphones that don’t exceed $400?
That’s what the UK-based high-tech startup Nothing is about to answer with the new Nothing Headphone (1) Headphone, which just announced this week. Many high-tech publications were able to try out new headphones before they were published and released. So, a considerable number of reviews are now available for anyone interested in getting this $299 over-ear can.
No phone call (3) has been announced. See specifications, pricing and pre-order details
Headphones (1) No price
What did critics have to say about these new headphones? First of all, many people agree that they are a Great value $299. The closest comparison points in terms of functionality and audio quality are the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and the Apple AirPods Max, both of which are well above $400. From that point of view, there is already nothing advantageous.
But what about all the other things?
design
First of all, these headphones have funky designs that may turn off some customers but may appeal to others. They have a large rectangular case in their ear cups, and only come in two colors: white and black. Ben Skoon put it together well 9to5google review:
“The design here isn’t unique, to say the least. The partially square, partially round design gives off the vibe of a cassette tape that I like,” writes Schoon.
Almost every other review I have read is consistent with that perspective. Whether you’re personally obsessed with design, there’s no credit worth trying something.
Masculine light speed
Meanwhile, Matt Bolton always emphasized Techradar reviews Headphones should be comfortable for long sessions, no matter how they look.
“This fit also splits a bit. Some people really prefer lightweight headphones that don’t require much grip, but I found it better to wear it more comfortably than the AirPods Max and spend quite a bit of time,” Bolton wrote.
sound
This is the tricky part. It’s not about design, comfort, or active noise cancellation, and when it comes to headphones, it’s less important than sound quality. Unfortunately, it is fairly widely agreed that most reviews have read that this is the area where the price difference between headphones (1) and their closest competition is revealed.
That’s not to say that sound is badbut. in James Pero reviews from Gizmodohe praised the noise cancellation quality and general audio output. It may not be on the AirPods Max level, but it is likely to be expected as there is a $250 price difference between the two.
“I think Apple’s AirPods Max has a slight edge in the sound department. There is a slight texture and room in the middle to height, and the vocals feel more organic and clear,” Pero writes. “That being said, none of them holds their own against competitors who charge very large premiums.”
Bolton, meanwhile, was more important in Techradar reviews.
“This audio is tuned by the excellent HI-FI brand Kef, and is reasonably refined, balanced and extremely enjoyable,” writes Bolton. “But it feels compressed and lacks the openness and vast sound that you’re used to from testing the competition at this price.”
Battery life
For $300, it is expected to have a good battery life from a pair of headphones. It sounds like nothing is being distributed in that department. Schoon said in a review of 9to5Google that ANC was turned on and the 80 continued the battery without it. My goodness, it’s pretty good.
Based on these reviews, at worst, the first over-ear headphones sound less solid. You may need to deal with slightly worse audio quality than some more expensive models, and you may not like the design, but they seem to have important value.
